Postgraduate Course: Radiation Biology (BIME11207)
Course Outline
| School | Deanery of Biomedical Sciences |
College | College of Medicine and Veterinary Medicine |
| Credit level (Normal year taken) | SCQF Level 11 (Postgraduate) |
| Course type | Online Distance Learning |
Availability | Available to all students |
| SCQF Credits | 20 |
ECTS Credits | 10 |
| Summary | The course will deliver the fundamentals of Molecular Radiation Biology with a detailed focus on radiation treatment for cancer. It will place emphasis on the effect of radiation delivery on normal tissue and cancers. The course will also delve into the mechanism of DNA damage induced by radiation with emphasis on Double strand breaks formation and repair. The course will provide explanation of the differential sensitivity of tissues for radiation, including the role of low oxygen levels(hypoxia) in modulating the response to radiation treatment. It will touch upon clinical/physical aspects of radiation delivery (including brachytherapy). The University of Edinburgh is renowned worldwide for developing models of cancer to the highest standards. This exciting new course will complement the strengths of cancer research at the university, developing a further area of research to improve the treatment of cancer both in human and animals. |
| Course description |
This SCQF Level 11 distance-learning course is designed to promote a comprehensive understanding of crucial aspects of radiation biology with particular emphasis on the delivery of radiation for cancer treatment. The course will be delivered using the online Blackboard virtual learning environment with a combination of recorded lectures, written, practical tutorials and discussion boards.
Course materials will cover
1. Molecular damage induced by radiation and damage detection.
2. DNA repair employed after radiation.
3. Factors impacting radiation efficacy and delivery.
4. Normal tissue toxicity by radiation (including accidental exposure- nuclear disasters etc.)
5. The clinical use of radiation (fractionation, FLASH and brachytherapy).
Student will be provided with basic data to calculate the radiation Biological Effectiveness and derive clonogenic survival curves. Students will be encouraged to apply fundamental data analysis of to acquire, reshape, analyse, interpret and make clinical assessments based on cancer patient data.
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Entry Requirements (not applicable to Visiting Students)
| Pre-requisites |
|
Co-requisites | |
| Prohibited Combinations | |
Other requirements | None |
Information for Visiting Students
| Pre-requisites | None |
| High Demand Course? |
Yes |
Course Delivery Information
|
| Academic year 2025/26, Available to all students (SV1)
|
Quota: None |
| Course Start |
Flexible |
| Course Start Date |
04/08/2025 |
Timetable |
Timetable |
| Learning and Teaching activities (Further Info) |
Total Hours:
200
(
Seminar/Tutorial Hours 40,
Online Activities 50,
Programme Level Learning and Teaching Hours 4,
Directed Learning and Independent Learning Hours
106 )
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| Assessment (Further Info) |
Written Exam
0 %,
Coursework
100 %,
Practical Exam
0 %
|
| Additional Information (Assessment) |
In course Assessment - 100%
For example;
A data analysis project (40%)
An oral presentation (40%)
A discussion board (20%) |
| Feedback |
An open discussion forum (visible to all students on the course) will be available for each assignment where students can ask questions about what is required of them. They can check they have interpreted the assignment brief correctly and seek guidance on whether their general ideas are appropriate before they complete and submit their work.
Extensive summative feedback will be given for all assignments. The written assignment will be marked up directly in Grademark and additional summary feedback provided. Feedback for the online assignment will be in the form of general comments on the level of engagement, content and quality of postings.
In both cases, feedback will clearly identify both positives and areas for improvement. |
| No Exam Information |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of this course, the student will be able to:
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals of radiation biology
- Demonstrate a critical appreciation of the damage induced by radiation and its effectiveness in clinical management of cancer
- Acquire skills to determine the biological impact of radiation on normal tissue and cancer
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Reading List
| Radiobiology for the radiologist (eight edition) Amato Giaccia and Eric Hall |
Additional Information
| Graduate Attributes and Skills |
The graduate will acquire skills in critical thinking, independent learning, communication, data analysis and time management. |
| Special Arrangements |
This course will be taught entirely by distance learning, using the virtual learning environment of Learn Ultra as the delivery platform. Course materials are protected by a secure username and password. These access details are made available to registered users only. |
| Keywords | Radiation,DNA damage,DNA repair,Radiotherapy,Cancer |
Contacts
| Course organiser | Dr Vincenzo D'Angiolella
Tel:
Email: vdangio@ed.ac.uk |
Course secretary | Miss Debbie Grahames
Tel: (0131 6)50 3160
Email: debbie.grahames@ed.ac.uk |
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